Trieste

TRIESTE

Trieste is a multi-faceted city and speaks of its position in a multicoloured way : a pearl set in the very heart of Europe, a natural crossroads of history and culture between the East and the West. There you'll find genuine flavours and an unique fable atmosphere, where the white cliffs of the Carso are reflected in the blue Adriatic Sea bed. Its palaces remind us of the prosperous time when Trieste was the port of the Habsburg Empire. You can feel that same atmosphere in the typical Cafès and taverns, where the spirit of Franz Josef I of Austria always goes around... The neighbourhood however make feel their presence : the Slovenians and Croatians who live in Trieste opened their own activities or work for the Triestians, who speak a language very similar to that one spoken in Veneto. The rectangular Piazza Unità d'Italia all sorrounded by palaces is very fascinating...

 

MIRAMARE CASTLE

The white fairytale castle, sorrounded by a lush green park, overlooking the blue sea windswept: this description fits well with the romantic residence built between 1856 and 1860 by Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg for his beloved young bride. So, as Maximilian had taken refuge from the fury of the sea in what was to become the the small and lovely sea port of the castle, he sought to achieve in the same place a love nest away from the dangers of life. But Charlotte of Belgium's lust for power and desire for fame pushed the Archduke to leave for Mexico, where he will become emperor but also after a while will lose his life, dreaming of his beloved castle so far away and abandoned. It is said that Charlotte, after the death of his beloved, has lost her mind. The curse that affects the castle is founded on this story; it is believed that whoever lives there dies prematurely of violent death. It seems that, in history, the curse has always inevitably become true... Today the castle and the park are open to visitors, always very numerous especially during spring time. While the castle attracts mainly tourists, the park is above all the destination of Triestians' Sunday walks outdoors. You can also visit the castle inside, the stables and the Castle Annexe. The castle and the park are, especially during summer time, the perfect setting for cultural events. They are open all the year. The entrance to the castle Museum is with charge, to the park free.

 

THE GROTTA GIGANTE

It lies in the Carso of Trieste. The Carso includes thousands of caves, some of which are not yet known. Currently they are almost 6,000, about 2,500 located in Italian territory. Among those, very different in morphology, size and depth, the Grotta Gigante is of particular interest. Located in the village of the same name, just 15 km away from the city of Trieste, it's easy to be reached by public means or by car ( motorway exit Sgonico). It is the bigger cave open to the public, 65 m. wide, 280 m. long and with a domed ceiling of 107 m. It is also notable for its countless stalactites and stalagmites, calcite concentrations covering the walls. Inside the cave they have installed highly sensitive scientific instruments, that is seismographs and geodetic pendulum, which make of the place a unique laboratory. The place is well worth a visit and there are no dangers. You only need to remember to wear warm clothes, because the temperature inside is costantly very low.